VA, MD, DC: Woodrow Wilson Bridge Project

“Achieving success with this $2.47 billion program demanded finding new and better ways of delivering transportation infrastructure to America. This former ‘magnet for controversy’ has become a source of pride for everyone concerned.”–John Porcari, Maryland Transportation Secretary

The Maryland, Virginia, and District of Columbia DOTs joined with the Federal Highway Administration to build a new bridge across the Potomac River, and eliminate one of the worst bottlenecks on Interstate 95. The 15-year, $2.47 billion mega-project pioneered new policies and procedures for construction management, and financial planning. In addition to the bridge, the project included upgrading of four nearby interchanges along 7.5 miles of the Capital Beltway (Interstate 95/495). The old six-lane bridge is being replaced with a new 12-lane bridge, separating local from express lanes, and providing future space for mass transit. A detailed financial plan has kept cost escalation to 1.3% since 2001 and an integrated construction management plan has helped keep the project on schedule.